Two Arrested On Multiple Counterfeiting Charges

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Two Edmonson County men are facing multiple felonies after an incident at a local food mart took place yesterday, which involved counterfeit $100 bills.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office reported that they received a complaint on Thursday, May 9th from Z Mart (formerly Jr. Food Stores) in Sweeden that they'd received a counterfeit $100 bill from a customer. According to the store clerk, the clerk kept the bill and was threatened by the suspect, who was later identified as Johnny Sowders, (32) of Mammoth Cave. Sowders then fled the store, according to law enforcement.

One of the confiscated bills. (Photo ECSO)

Johnny Sowders, 32, Mammoth Cave.

Richard Smith, 36, Bee Spring.

​The Sheriff's Office said that deputies and a constable began searching the area for the vehicle Sowders was driving, which was quickly located on the side of the road on HWY 728 (Nolin Dam Road). Inside the vehicle, deputies found additional fake $100 bills along with paper suspected in the printing of counterfeit money. Acting on a tip of Sowders whereabouts, he was located at Saling's Grocery where he was arrested and charged with:  13 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st degree (class C felonies), and Persistent Felony offender, first degree. 

The other occupant of the vehicle, Richard Smith, (36) of Bee Spring was also located later in the day. Smith was also arrested for 13 counts of  Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st degree and was also served with bench warrants out of Edmonson and Warren Counties. Both were lodged in the Hart County Jail.

The Sheriff's Office also noted that they wished to thank Brownsville Police and District 5 Constable for their assistance in the case.